Hibiki Adachi, Takuma Shiratani, Yu Seto, Ayumu Yamada
Hibiki Adachi, Takuma Shiratani, Yu Seto, Ayumu Yamada
SHAFT 2
SHAFT 2
September 4 – 19, 2026
SHIKISAISHA | Kyobashi
104-0031
東京都中央区京橋2-11-9西堀11番地ビル2F
SHIKISAISHA is pleased to present SHAFT 2, the second edition of the group exhibition SHAFT.
Launched in 2024, SHAFT is a curatorial project organized by sculptor Yu Seto. The exhibition introduces emerging sculptors while fostering dialogue across generations, materials, and artistic approaches, with the aim of highlighting the richness and future possibilities of contemporary sculpture.
This second edition features returning artists Takuma Shiratani and Ayumu Yamada, joined by Hibiki Adachi, alongside curator and participating artist Yu Seto. Together, the four sculptors present works that reflect distinct materials, concepts, and approaches to contemporary sculpture.
Visitors will also receive a complimentary exhibition booklet featuring a special roundtable discussion with the participating artists.
Sculpture is not a field that can thrive through the efforts of a single artist alone. I believe that a vibrant culture develops only when compelling artists emerge across generations and materials, and their work becomes known to one another and to a wider audience.
SHAFT began with the hope of becoming a small catalyst for that process.
Two years have passed since the first edition in 2024. Even within this relatively short time, the social and cultural environment surrounding artistic expression has changed significantly.
In an age when information and content move at an overwhelming pace, I believe there is profound value in sculptors who devote themselves to their practice—patiently engaging with each work and steadily pursuing their own artistic vision.
This exhibition brings together four artists whose materials and themes differ greatly. Yet beneath each of their practices lies an unwavering core—a distinct shaft that supports and defines their expression.
It is precisely because of this strong foundation that such diverse works can emerge, each possessing its own powerful presence.
I hope this exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to discover new possibilities in contemporary sculpture while experiencing the distinctive individuality of each participating artist.
Yu Seto
SHIKISAISHA is pleased to present SHAFT 2, the second edition of the group exhibition SHAFT.
Launched in 2024, SHAFT is a curatorial project organized by sculptor Yu Seto. The exhibition introduces emerging sculptors while fostering dialogue across generations, materials, and artistic approaches, with the aim of highlighting the richness and future possibilities of contemporary sculpture.
This second edition features returning artists Takuma Shiratani and Ayumu Yamada, joined by Hibiki Adachi, alongside curator and participating artist Yu Seto. Together, the four sculptors present works that reflect distinct materials, concepts, and approaches to contemporary sculpture.
Visitors will also receive a complimentary exhibition booklet featuring a special roundtable discussion with the participating artists.
Sculpture is not a field that can thrive through the efforts of a single artist alone. I believe that a vibrant culture develops only when compelling artists emerge across generations and materials, and their work becomes known to one another and to a wider audience.
SHAFT began with the hope of becoming a small catalyst for that process.
Two years have passed since the first edition in 2024. Even within this relatively short time, the social and cultural environment surrounding artistic expression has changed significantly.
In an age when information and content move at an overwhelming pace, I believe there is profound value in sculptors who devote themselves to their practice—patiently engaging with each work and steadily pursuing their own artistic vision.
This exhibition brings together four artists whose materials and themes differ greatly. Yet beneath each of their practices lies an unwavering core—a distinct shaft that supports and defines their expression.
It is precisely because of this strong foundation that such diverse works can emerge, each possessing its own powerful presence.
I hope this exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to discover new possibilities in contemporary sculpture while experiencing the distinctive individuality of each participating artist.
Yu Seto
Ayumu Yamada
Ayumu Yamada (b. 1996, Tokyo) graduated from the Department of Sculpture at Tokyo University of the Arts in 2024 and completed his MFA in Sculpture at the university’s Graduate School of Fine Arts in 2026. Working primarily with woodcarving, he explores ways of giving visual form to invisible forces and presences by connecting them with bodily perception. In 2024, he received both the Salon de Printemps Prize and the Heisei Art Award at the 72nd Tokyo University of the Arts Graduation Works Exhibition. In 2025, his work was selected for the 28th Taro Okamoto Award for Contemporary Art.
Ayumu Yamada (b. 1996, Tokyo) graduated from the Department of Sculpture at Tokyo University of the Arts in 2024 and completed his MFA in Sculpture at the university’s Graduate School of Fine Arts in 2026. Working primarily with woodcarving, he explores ways of giving visual form to invisible forces and presences by connecting them with bodily perception. In 2024, he received both the Salon de Printemps Prize and the Heisei Art Award at the 72nd Tokyo University of the Arts Graduation Works Exhibition. In 2025, his work was selected for the 28th Taro Okamoto Award for Contemporary Art.
Hibiki Adachi
Hibiki Adachi (b. 2002, Kyoto) graduated from the Sculpture Department at Hiroshima City University’s Faculty of Arts in 2025 and is currently pursuing graduate studies in sculpture at the same university. Working primarily with marble, he explores the traces of life and layers of time embedded within the stone, reflecting on the connections between life and death, past and present. In 2025, he received both the Excellence Award and the Acquisition Award at the Hiroshima City University Graduation and Completion Works Exhibition.
Hibiki Adachi (b. 2002, Kyoto) graduated from the Sculpture Department at Hiroshima City University’s Faculty of Arts in 2025 and is currently pursuing graduate studies in sculpture at the same university. Working primarily with marble, he explores the traces of life and layers of time embedded within the stone, reflecting on the connections between life and death, past and present. In 2025, he received both the Excellence Award and the Acquisition Award at the Hiroshima City University Graduation and Completion Works Exhibition.
Takuma Shiratani
Takuma Shiratani (b. 1994, Saga, Japan) graduated from the Department of Sculpture at Tokyo University of the Arts in 2019 and completed his MFA in Sculpture at the same university in 2021. Working primarily with Japanese cypress, he uses origami as a motif to explore the Japanese cultural practice of mitate and the sense of prayer and spirituality that lies beyond it. Using traditional materials such as Japanese cypress, urushi lacquer, and mineral pigments, Shiratani transforms the ephemeral forms of paper into enduring sculptures.
Takuma Shiratani (b. 1994, Saga, Japan) graduated from the Department of Sculpture at Tokyo University of the Arts in 2019 and completed his MFA in Sculpture at the same university in 2021. Working primarily with Japanese cypress, he uses origami as a motif to explore the Japanese cultural practice of mitate and the sense of prayer and spirituality that lies beyond it. Using traditional materials such as Japanese cypress, urushi lacquer, and mineral pigments, Shiratani transforms the ephemeral forms of paper into enduring sculptures.
Yu Seto
Yu Seto (b. 1994, Odawara, Kanagawa, Japan) graduated from the Department of Sculpture at Tokyo University of the Arts and completed his MFA in Sculpture at the same university. Drawing on his interest in natural science, he creates sculptures of wild animals, primarily using terracotta. By leaving traces of his touch and the sculpting process visible on their surfaces, Seto explores the structures and movements of living beings and the essence of their existence. In addition to exhibiting in Japan and internationally, his practice extends across disciplines, including collaborations in fashion and design.
Yu Seto (b. 1994, Odawara, Kanagawa, Japan) graduated from the Department of Sculpture at Tokyo University of the Arts and completed his MFA in Sculpture at the same university. Drawing on his interest in natural science, he creates sculptures of wild animals, primarily using terracotta. By leaving traces of his touch and the sculpting process visible on their surfaces, Seto explores the structures and movements of living beings and the essence of their existence. In addition to exhibiting in Japan and internationally, his practice extends across disciplines, including collaborations in fashion and design.
